​Auto manufacturer warranties also do not cover malfunctions resulting from misuse. For example: if the radio stops working because mustard was squirted into it, or malfunctions caused by 3rd party mods.​

When does it begin and end?

Automotive manufacturer warranties begin on the date and mileage when the new car is sold to the original owner, called the in-service date. The time and mileage vary depending on the auto manufacturer.

For example, a 3-year / 36,000-mile Basic Factory Warranty expires 3 years from the in-service date or 36,000 miles from the in-service mileage, whichever comes first.

​If that same new car also has a 5-year / 60,000-mile Powertrain Limited Warranty; then the engine, transmission, and drive axle coverage would continue for 2 years or 24,000 miles after the Basic Factory Warranty expires.​

* The 2009 - 2007 standard lifetime powertrain warranty started on July 26th, 2007 and was included with vehicles sold on or after this date until the last 2009 model was sold.

​Non-Transferable (NT) Powertrain

10 year and lifetime warranties are for the first owner only and are not transferable.​Hybrid Gas Electric

​Hybrid components for all makes are covered by an 8 year / 100,000 mile warranty in addition to the manufacturer's basic and powertrain warranties.

In CA, CT, MA, ME, NJ, NY, RI and VT the hybrid component warranty is increased to 10 years or 150,000 miles to comply with state emissions regulations for any automobile classified as a PZEV (Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle).

New Car Warranty Comparison

The longest 2020 bumper-to-bumper warranty in the USA (multiple tie) belongs to Hyundai, Kia, Jaguar, and Mitsubishi at 5 years or 60,000 miles.

The longest engine warranty (multiple tie) belongs to Hyundai, Kia, and Mitsubishi at 10 years or 100,0000 miles — however these powertrain warranties do not transfer to subsequent owners as many of the shorter engine warranties do.

The longest transferable engine warranty (tie) belongs to Acura, Infiniti, Lexus, and Lincoln at 6 years or 72,000 miles.

The best warranty by this comparison depends on usage. For long term owners concerned about expensive engine repairs; Hyundai, Kia, or Mitsubishi are the best choices. For short term owners who want increased resale value; Acura, Infiniti, Lexus and Lincoln are the best options.

​Is there a copay?

A Basic Factory Warranty does not have a copay deductible. The cost of repairs, including parts and labor, are covered by the automotive manufacturer with zero out-of-pocket expense to the owner.

Flagrant misuse, like a camping trip when your vehicle is submerged in a river.

Natural disasters resulting in damage to your car, like in a hurricane when your vehicle is submerged in water. Or evidence of a tampered odometer.

Salvage title, after the car was totaled and rebuilt.

Failure to perform proper maintenance.

Change of ownership without a transfer will void the Powertrain Warranty.

​Must maintenance be done at a factory dealership to maintain the manufacturer warranties?​No.

​It is unlawful for a manufacturer to void a warranty if maintenance is not performed at one of their facilities. However, warranties can be voided if proper maintenance isn't done.

Industry advisors recommend returning to the factory dealership for scheduled service because you can ensure proper maintenance is completed, logged in the manufacturer's database, and listed on the CarFax - increasing your future value and producing an automatic record.

In general, you will not void your warranty if you're a few weeks late for an oil change; but if improper maintenance is the cause of a malfunction, then repairs will not be covered by the manufacturer's warranty.

​Furthermore, you may not be able to transfer your extended warranty if you cannot prove that factory recommended maintenance was performed.